Each year, millions of cases of accidental poisoning occur. Most of them are in children aged 1 to 6.
Most accidental poisonings occur in the kitchen between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. The bathroom is the next most likely site.
Causes
Medicines such as
aspirin, tranquilizers, sleeping pills
Household cleaners such as bleach,
dishwasher detergent, and drain cleaners
Ammonia, lye
Insecticides and rat poison
Vitamins and minerals if taken in toxic
amounts
Alcoholic and drugs
Rubbing alcohol, iodine, hair dye,
mouthwash, and mothballs
Some indoor plants and outdoor plants and
berries
Some outdoor plants and berries
Gasoline, antifreeze, oil, and other
chemicals for the car
Lighter fluid and paint thinner
Carbon monoxide. This has no color, odor,
or taste
Prevention
Wear protective
clothing, masks, etc., when using chemicals that could cause harm if inhaled or absorbed
by the skin.
Use volatile
substances, such as gasoline and wood stain, only in areas that are well ventilated, such
as outdoors
Store hazardous
materials and medicines in their original containers.
Keep all harmful
substances locked up and out of the reach of children. Teach them not to touch items with
a skull-and-crossbones on it.
Store all medicines and
vitamins in containers with child-restraint tops. Don't call medicines or vitamins
"candy" in front of children. Vitamins with iron can be deadly to small
children.
Flush unused
medications down the toilet and rinse the containers before throwing them away.
Buy a bottle of syrup
of ipecac and replace yearly. This is used to induce vomiting after certain poisons have
been swallowed. Buy activated charcoal, too. This may be needed when certain chemicals are
swallowed.
Install carbon monoxide
detectors in your home and garage. Have your furnace, chimney, and flue checked by a
qualified person every year. Don't run cars and lawn mowers in the garage. Don't use gas
ranges for heat. Use portable heating devices, coal burning stoves, etc., as directed.
| Is the person not breathing and has no pulse? {Note: Do CPR. (See CPR.)}  |
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| Is the person not breathing, but has a pulse? {Note: Do rescue breathing. (See Airway and Breathing.)} |
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| Is the person unconscious or having convulsions? {Note: See Unconsciousness; First Aid for Seizures with Convulsions.} |
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Has any substance been swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed by the skin
and do any of the following apply? It has a "Harmful or fatal if
swallowed" warning on the label It has a skull-and-crossbones sign on the
container You suspect the substance is poisonous{Note: Call the Poison Control Center first.} |
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For Swallowed Poisons:
Call the Poison Control Center [1-800-POISON1 (764-7661]. Follow instructions. Be ready to
give this information:
The name of the substance taken, the amount, and when it
was taken
A list of ingredients on the product label
Age, gender, and weight of the person who took the poison;
how the person is feeling and
reacting; and any medical problems the person has
Lay the victim on his or her left side to keep the
windpipe clear, especially if the victim has vomited.
Keep a sample of the vomit and the poison container.
For Inhaled Poisons:
Move the victim to fresh air (outdoors, if possible) right away. Try not to breathe the
fumes yourself.
Follow the first 3 steps above for "Swallowed Poisons," as needed.
Get medical attention
For Chemical Poisons on the Skin:
Flood the skin with water for 10 to 15 or more minutes and remove contaminated clothing.
Gently wash the skin with soap and water. Rinse well.
Get medical attention.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 2000 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 03/02/01